Last updated: February 8, 2026
In the remote beauty of Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for your skin's health and overall well-being. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, which is especially important given the region's unique climate. With its ET climate, the UV exposure varies significantly throughout the day, peaking at 5 around midday—risking overexposure even in this far northern locale. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents and visitors can enjoy the stunning Arctic landscapes while safeguarding their skin from harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to a 2, signaling the need for a bit of caution. The UV intensity peaks at 5 from 12:00 to 15:00, a crucial time when protective measures are essential for outdoor activities. After this midday high, the index gradually declines, reaching 4 by 16:00 and dropping back to 2 by 19:00. This hourly progression highlights the importance of being sun-smart, especially during those peak hours when the UV rays are at their strongest. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 0 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 08:00 | 0 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 09:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 10:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 11:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 12:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 13:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 14:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 60+ minutes |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, impacting the risk of sunburn and the need for sun protection. From January to February, the UV Index remains low (1), allowing for a safe outdoor experience with a burn time of 45 minutes. However, as spring approaches, the index gradually increases, reaching a moderate level of 3 in April and peaking at 5 from May to July, indicating higher risk months for sun exposure. In August, the UV Index slightly decreases to 4, leading into a return to lower indices of 2 in September and 1 in October and November, while December sees an index of 0, marking minimal risk. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety precautions, especially during the high-risk months of May to July, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilulissat UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Aasiaat UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Ittoqqortoormiit | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Sisimiut UVI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Nuuk UVI | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Qaqortoq UVI | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |